Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday said that the State Government would soon construct an indoor stadium for various sports such as boxing and table tennis at the School Complex, Katrain in Kullu district.

The stadium would be constructed so that the youth of the region could get best facilities for exhibiting their talent at national and international level, said the Chief Minister while presiding over the opening ceremony of 40th Junior Basketball Championship at Government Senior Secondary School, Katrain.

A total of 27 teams are participating in the championship.

The Chief Minister announced Rs 10 lakh for the indoor stadium and said that the State Government would provide additional assistance in a phased manner.

He said that the State Basket Ball Association is doing a commendable service in promoting basketball in Himachal. This provides an opportunity to the youth to exhibit their talent. The Government would give special stress on creating sports infrastructure upto rural areas, he added.

Thakur also announced Rs 1 lakh for smooth organization of this tournament and also, Rs 51,000 for the State Basketball Association.

Earlier, the Chief Minister laid foundation stone of lift Irrigation Scheme for Sarsari group of villages in gram panchayat Bandrol, Jindaour, Baveli and Sari to be constructed at a cost of Rs 998 lakh and inaugurated new building of Government Senior Secondary School Raison constructed at a cost of Rs 2.23 crore.

later, he also laid foundation stone of Primary Health Centre Patlikuhal to be constructed at a cost of Rs 77.32 lakh.

A colourful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion by the students of various schools.

Speaking on the occasion, Transport, Youth Services and Sport and Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur said that the State Government is committed for the welfare of the youth.